Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

“Preparation and organization. Meeting deadlines, commitments and greater respect for our country and honor and respect for our fellow country men.”

Lawrence Daniels - Da Arla Tax Services

“The ability to turn ideas into action plans by using the OSMEAC formula and achieving goals.”

Clayton Poff - Energy Cost Reducers, LLC

“Professionalism and teamwork were skills I honed in the USAF.”

Gregory Pierce - ENGISYSTEMS Inc.

“It gave me a chance to have HUGE responsibility at a very early age. I was in charge of some very high profile programs. This experience propelled me into having the skills needed for entrepreneurship!”

Jeffrey Luckado - IMPACT Homebuyers Group, Corp

“The military helped me focus on leadership skills, being goal-oriented and a having high level professionalism.”

Richard Fendley - Interior Fusion, LLC

“Taught me discipline, attention to detail, working with and directing a team.”

Rick Stricker - WebSlingers Web Development

“It taught me honor, integrity, hard work, perseverance, adaptability, how to improvise, overcome and complete on each mission.”

Shelly Bauer - Universal Investigations, LLC

“14 years of service active duty and air national guard. Organizational skills lead to a structured business, learning to manage, lead and follow for a well rounded business plan, that has pointed us in the right direction.”

Chris Barcikowski - Mid Atlantic Commercial and Residential Real Estate Solutions Inc

“We’re trained to do our jobs and react to certain situations just the way civilian employees are. But we also have leeway to use our intelligence and awareness to respond to new situations and come up with new ways of doing things. We work in teams, so as problems come up, we solve them collectively and understanding the company’s mission and looking to my employees for insights are all skills I learned while in service.”

Kelen Prutow - U.S. Integrators dba Frontline Protection

“Instilled discipline, confidence, and satisfaction in a job well done.”

Sean Elkin - Searchlight Interactive, LLC

“The Army Infantry taught me humility, honest, and confidence. How to train and deal with people. Most importantly, your word is your bond.”

Scott Kersjes - Innovative Facilities Solutions, Inc.

“We’re trained to do our jobs and react to certain situations just the way civilian employees are. But we also have leeway to use our intelligence and awareness to respond to new situations and come up with new ways of doing things. We work in teams, so as problems come up, we solve them collectively and understanding the company’s mission and looking to my to employees for insights are all skills I learned while in service. In the military, we work in teams, and we have leaders just the way.”

Frank Valenti - Fulton Graphics, Inc.

“Training opportunities and instructing leadership courses.”

George Duncan - SWFL Duncan Group, LLC

“Military service taught organization, leadership, work ethic, discipline and drive.”

Ralph Owens - O-Craftsmen Builders

“As a Marine Corps Sniper in Vietnam, it taught me the importance of being careful and paying close attention to small details.”

Dan Bowers - Holmes Inspection Company

“To deliver services in a promised time and respect customers.”

Thomas Covington - A-1 Copy Systems, LLC

“The Air Force has prepared me to be a professional leader!”

Mark Northrup - House 2 Home LLC

“The military taught me structure, discipline, work ethic and teamwork. It helped show me that hard work can pay off. That by not quitting you can reach the goals that you set.”

Steven Matthews - RisingStar Entertainment

“Military training and discipline coupled with hard work, long hours and camaraderie were influential in building fortitude, preparedness and can-do attitudes in me for life after the military. Seeing so many countries and what people live like in other parts of the world gave me an immense appreciation for what we have had here in America like no other experience could have. Being thankful for our freedoms by knowing the cost involved from our veterans and founding fathers is invaluable.”

Marty DiGiacomo - True Blue Transportation

“Being an Infantry officer in the Army is about health, fitness and self-defense of our nation, through leadership of others. Teaching traditional Kung Fu is all about helping others develop health, fitness, self-defense, and leadership skills.”

Doyle Perry - United Martial Arts

“The discipline and hard work that I experienced in the Navy was priceless. It helped me to create a successful pressure washing business. Serving my country through the United States Navy was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

KENNETH MEDINA - CFB Pressure Washing

“By supplying me with the tools to become a responsible, organized and motivated adult.”

Willie Vega Jr. - FITNESS 4 LIFE Personal Training

“On active and reserve duty I obtained the position of Sr. Drill which allowed me Leadership and Management opportunities along with discipline and respect of others. This is the best Country in the world as I have been to several other countries during my 27 years in the Military. I believe our elders and military veterans should have the opportunity to have the best value of the services offered them. I have continually maintained a high level of schooling, education and knowledge in my field.”

Samuel Pozdol - Peete's Electric Company

“Military service teaches you to never give up.”

Rick Phillips - Dry Ridge Plumbing

“It's helped me form objectives, and become better at forming strategies to reach those objectives. It's also helped me work as a team, develop SOP's in my business, and focus on the goals I have set.”

EJ Smith - Smith Business Development Solutions

“Basic training was no joke. It instilled discipline, courage, and the will to "drive on troop"! While stationed in Fort Kobbe, Panama I depended on the guy to my right and to my left. Same goes with business.”

Tom Carter - Ultrabrite LLC

“Discipline in decision making during adverse situations by far leads the list. Leadership was always taught and practiced everyday as it is in the business world. No one never needed to tell a group of gathered people that they were in the militia.”

John Raddatz - Tri City Tool & Die, Inc.

“Aberdeen Proving Ground school for blacksmith and welding.”

Ruperto FUENTES - Universal Refractrs & Boilers

“Being a Marine & D. I. speaks for it's self - There is only one way to do it and "That's The Right Way". ~ They call me {The Box Doctor} and I have 46 years experience Semper Fi”

Roger Maxson - Maxson Container Consultants

“I learned the discipline I needed to keep going even when things got tough. I also learned perseverance, loyalty, and willingness to see a job all the way from the initial phase to completion and I thank the armed services for this.”

Olin Granthum - Nilo Construction

“The military gave me leadership and Taught me discipline for every day life.”

Robert Morone - Morone's Mowing Inc.

“Professionalism, Compassion and Prudence. All traits associated with growing up in a military family and continue today as I say congrats and good luck to a Grandson going the Navy way.”

Rick Pino - Ricon Compliance Inspections

“The 343rd. & 2849th. Civil Engineering Squadrons taught me the ins & outs of the Construction Industry. From how to set Brick, Block, Concrete, Windows, Doors & Drywall to Materials Procurement & Scheduling just to name a few.”

Michael Pereira - Palm Home Improvement Inc.

“The Military Service gave me the determination to succeed.”

C. Henry Adams - Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc.

“The exposure to types of people outside of my chosen circle of friends and how to deal with difficult people are the most important lessons I learned while serving.”

John Hendrickson - Smoke Eaters Supply

“Honor. Integrity. Experience. ”

Ernest Arnold - ACE Midwest, LLC

“The GI Bill launched me into an education in mechanical engineering. I started my education while still in the Navy and received a lot of help from my aircrew officers in mathematics and physics. I was then ready to start a 4-year program at UC.”

David Tostenson - DT Engineering Associates Inc.

“To be disciplined, focused and detail oriented.”

Jim Sabatello - Inland Flooring Contractors, Inc.

“The military's ability to create professionals, good work ethic, discipline and can do attitude has definitely helped me with my business.”

Michael Rock - Rocktek

“Determination, readiness, motivated, able to accomplish any task!”

Douglas Goss - The Plumber Company, LLC

“Attention to detail. Management skills with employees.”

Ryan Powell - The Cleaning Corps

“It has given me the direction, capabilities and confidence to own and operate a small business.”

Jeffrey Gruhlke - Pinnacle Carpet Care

“Discipline.”

Thomas Crook - Uncle Tom's Handyman Service

“My military service has helped me to be a better business owner by the organizational skills I was taught and the ability to adapt and overcome obstacles and adverse situations. Above all else honesty, integrity and to take responsibility.”

RUSSELL PRICE - R.J. Price Plumbing and Heating, Inc.

“CAN Do attitude. Always ready to get the job done.”

peter vanwolvelaerd - VanDahl Engineering & Construction

“I have been doing what I learned in the Military my entire life.”

Richard Grado - Rocky Mountain Civil Constructors

“Since I've served in both the Army and Marine Corps, I have made the lessons learned, standard protocol. Just as I had to do to learn how to walk again after getting hit with an I.E.D. while providing convoy security in Iraq.”

Kris Rodriguez - The Rodriguez Insurance Agency

“The submarine service taught me discipline and the need to work in cooperation with others.”

Michael Addison - Siella Imaging LLC

“My time in the military has laid the foundation for who I am as a business owner. I was taught respect, team-dynamics, honor and most importantly that anything and everything can be done with a positive 'can-do' attitude and good organization.”

Betsy Rosengrant-Stein - K.D. Rosengrant, Inc.

“The Texas Air National Guard instilled in me (at least) three traits that are highly desirable in business owners/entrepreneurs... discipline, perseverance and tenacity. Without these traits I would never have been able to drive my business to where it is now.”

Chris Nicolaou - Texas DNS, Inc.

“The professionalism, discipline, and character of the people I had the honor to serve with taught us to always respect and treat our fellow man the way we want to be treated in business and in our every day life.”

Daniel B Jones - Purification Technologies

“The military helped by providing me with the determination to keep striving for success in everything that I do!”

Edward McCullough Sr. - The Bait Barn

“Through training and discipline my service in the military has helped to mold me into a well rounded thinker. It gave me a great deal of structure and that coupled with my creative abilities makes a great combination for success.”

Scott Ceretti - VETS ROCK Inc.

“Discipline, integrity and honesty!”

Marc Soss - Marc J. Soss, Esquire

“The military provided a place to mature and see the world without the close protection of my family. Decisions made by myself were totally mine and had its repercussions either positive or negative. This was the place where you learn to be an adult.”

James E. Frederick - TimeLine Management Group, LLC

“Military service has given me the tools necessary to start, run, and maintain my business. Dedication and attention to details are my watch words. These are just a sample of the many lessons learned and experience gained from my military service.”

Charles Brown - Exodus International

“Military Service enabled me to have the discipline and internal drive to succeed in creating and growing my own company.”

Jamie Falconi - Stellar Apparel

“As a Marine, I was taught the values of leadership, discipline and camaraderie. This is still very much evident 35 years later.”

Frank Espinoza - Frank H Contractors

“Being in the US Army and having the privilege of serving overseas has helped me take the challenges of the business world in stride.”

JD Beers - Coupon Raider!

“Introduced me to the disciplines required to get a job done and accomplish important and critical task without excuse or oversight. Also learned supervision, delegation, and leadership principles that have served me every day.”

Michael Thomas - Thomas Lock & Key

“Attention to detail that is required in the military has driven our business. Getting to jobs on time and completing them with the quality that is required is also a skill pounded into us military members.”

Russ Stark - Surface Specialists of Arrowhead Country

“Organization skills, accomplish anything attitude.”

Allen Hafer - Sandal Marine Services

“Military service taught me that taking care of people is just as important as turning a profit. We truly believe that in helping others in a fair and honest way that we are also helping ourselves to be better people.”

robert thomas - Thomas and Sons Home Efficiency

“Paid for college and built leadership.”

Mike Olivera, DBA - Rescue Wireless Remote Computer & Network Repair

“Discipline, pride in workmanship, attention to detail, extraordinary customer service ethic.”

Jeff Truesdale - Proforma True Solutions

“Military services prepared me to be a better business owner by strengthening my attention to detail; motivating me to be the best that I can be in whatever circumstance; building on my leadership skills and giving me a great foundation to grow on.”

Teresa Garner - Think Business, Inc.

“I am a very disciplined individual who strives to help others above myself at all times. I definitely attribute these qualities to my military training and experience.”

Cirra Turpin - Cirra's Cloud

“It has made me a more (nose to the grindstone) kind of a person. What ever it takes to get the job done.”

Gary Wickham - P.F.D. LLC

“My 10 years in the US Coast Guard has forced me to adapt to learn virtually every other specialty that directly and indirectly affects me. In my experience, almost every system that I have seen in the coast guard has failed around me and I would have to learn how to operate it to ensure it was carried out properly other wise it would negatively affect me. as a result of these broken systems I have been able to learn about technology, administration, management, science and teaching.”

Charles Carver - Triple C Entertainment

“I was in the United States Marine Corps, it taught me to make the best of what I have to work with and never give up.”

Wilbert Guice - The Point Mans Guide

“My 14 years as an army officer taught me to handle emergencies and pressure and get the job done no matter what. Now in water damage restoration we are professionally handling clients emergencies and getting their lives back on track in record time.”

Brian Epperson - Action Cleaning

“Discipline and professionalism!”

Erby Crofutt - B4U Close Home Inspections & Radon Testing

“The attributes of leadership, pursuit of goals, service to others, and never looking back have prepared me to accept all challenges and overcome all obstacles to provide "value added" service to my fellow Americans.”

Phil Lowe - Mr. Appliance of Albuquerque

“The military prepared me very well by instilling the willingness to work long hours and a toughness to complete any task. The military also gave me the opportunity to get a degree using the GI Bill which made this all possible. Thank you!”

Dennis Dilley - PCB Interconnect Solutions, LLC

“Through the years of training and experience in leading, directing and supervising, my 20 years as an Army officer has better equipped me to run my own business.”

Geoffrey Yoste - Yoste Strategic Partners, LLC

“Military service instills many fine characteristics such as integrity, responsibility, loyalty, commitment, and much more. It makes you appreciate the freedoms that we are afforded because of the sacrifices of those know what it truly means to serve.”

Jeff Haynes - Realty Inspection Services, LLC

“Discipline. It's all about discipline.”

Bob McGuire - Cooking Classes in Melbourne with Chef Bob

“Home inspection requires something the Army is very good at and that is attention to details. It is our job to find any potential safety problems along with any problems with the major systems of the home that might be high dollar issues.”

Anthony Cassady - Essayons Home Inspections, LLC

“Serving my country has been one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences of my life. The leadership, problem solving skills, as well as the strong work ethics instilled on me while serving, permeate everything we do at our law firm.”

Gary Lambert - Lambert & Associates

“Taught me to be self reliant.”

Seymour Lecker - Lecker Business Services, Inc.

“One word: discipline!”

Gerald Greer - Mr. G's Tees, Inc. (dba Under the Moon Graphics)

“My time in the Army as a Infantry NCO has prepared me to be a business owner, by teaching me how to focus on the task at hand and not giving up until it is accomplished.”

Adam Hart - Nightstalker Tactical Solutions

“It has provided me with the knowledge to better navigate the inner politics of most offices.”

Steve Clark - The Vannet Group, LLC

“Taught me to be organized, prepared, and disciplined.”

Stephen Feltner - York People Solutions

“Learned how to lead.”

Nick DiMaggio - Jet Precision Metal Inc.

“It matured me at a young age and made me realize the importance of how great this life truly is and that veterans have given all to make this country what it is today.”

Carl Hollingsworth - Lightyear Wireless

“I wish there was more services like this.”

joseph jacobs - Military Veteran Painting

“The military life requires discipline and focus - two key elements required to be successful in business. We have a very unique perspective on life once we are no longer active in the military but the residual affect of our commitment is evident.”

Sofia Hogan - Sofia Hogan Biz Coaching

“Military service has prepared me to be a better business owner because of the discipline and assertiveness gained through my military experience.”

Calvin Glenn - CG1 Audio Systems

“Responsibility, integrity, honor and getting the job done.”

James Pyle - Jims Computer Services

“All ways on time and doing the best you can the first time.”

Robin Bradley - Maid In America Janitorial Service

“The years in the military prepared me to handle any situation that comes along. It also prepared me to persevere through adversity. It made me a stronger person both mentally and physically.”

thomas heinz - PDQ Delivery Service

“Military service taught me to persevere even in difficult times while always keeping excellence a top priority.”

Sarah Hudson - The Marketing Analysts

“Prepared me to be a responsible and accountable person. Has also helped with organization and structure.”

Raymond Bartholow - Total Product Services, LLC

“Organization and discipline.”

earl c montgomery - Sasser Custom Exhaust

“Good Leader.”

Jay Owimrin - All Star Sports 4 Kids

“My military experience has instilled the values in me that it takes to be an accomplished business owner.”

Stephen Burleson - Burleson Lawn Service

“Work with no supervision.”

Mike Morin - Mike & Sue Properties

“I joined the USAF right out of high school. I received Engineering Training, worked in Civil Engineering and earned my Bachelors Degree while serving on active duty and understood the basics of Land Development as I entered into the civilian world.”

William F. Mitchell - ML Development

“The military helped me mature. It also helped in making critical decisions.”

James Mathews - National System of Garage Ventilation

“The Military taught me discipline and responsibility, these are the most important qualities that I have been able to bring to my business efforts.”

john gorman - Pocket Constitution

“Discipline and stick-to-it-tiveness, organizational skills, administrative, keep moving forward in the face of adversity; no doubt that without the skill sets I learned and honed in 18 years of military service that they prepared me.”

Doug Kelly - SEO for My Website

“Army leadership schools (Ranger School).”

Larry Mills - Skeen, Mohler & Associates Insurance

“Many traits were derived from military service, especially because of the age of the person. Most service people entered a branch of a service at 18 to 21 years of age. These are formative, learning and experience-gathering years that are nurtured.”

Joel Jablons - The TEEJAY Co.

“USMC did for me more than I could ever explain in a paragraph. Women like myself going in the USMC in the 1970's were a rare breed among ourselves, before the USMC shaped us into Marines. Tolerance, patience, and ability to see through the BS.”

Hollyecho Montgomery - Women's Computer Consulting

“Leadership training and military experiences taught me to take pride in my accomplishments and strive to do the best I can with what ever I am doing.”

al mettler - Mettler Upholstery

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Max Hills - Reliable Auto Service, Inc.

“It has definitely installed the discipline and dedication in me that is required to run a successful business.”

Shonda Lewis - Proactive Support Solutions

“Discipline!”

Ed Mihalacki - Laurel Mountain Laser

“Honesty, integrity and hard work.”

Scott Eastman - GreatScott Images

“Being an Executive Officer in an Combat Engineering Construction Company, I learned that duty to mission is the most important thing. The mission of Schiller Ahern is to put our clients in a better position than before our relationship began. We are committed to doing everything we can to make the client proud of our efforts and results. To us, the client is first.”

Chris Ahern - Schiller Ahern

“My previous military training, discipline and service during WWII following an "unemployment recession" similar to the current national recession, was a factor in my desire to succeed in civilian life. I have since then, only once, during the entire period of my adult life, actually worked for a company.”

Leon B. Siwek - World Wide Waters

“Being in the USMC has taught me discipline, strong work ethics and to be fair and honest.”

James Wenninger - Good to Go General Contracting

“My experience as an electrician in the Navy helped enable me to use this knowledge in construction and remodeling for residential and commercial customers.”

Robert Stouter - Stouter Construction, LLC

“We are able to produce the required documentation, samples and attention to detail needed to help make our customers approvals and acquisition processes go smoothly.”

Will Cronin - Tiger Foam Insulation

“I realized that anything is possible and we are only limited by our own initiative.”

Joseph Abi-najm - VA Home Inspect, LLC

“Being in the Navy taught me work ethic, trade skills, and knowledge of my industry.”

Dan Jensen - Advanced Machine and Fabrication

“The Marine Corps instilled in me a special set of leadership skills that have been imperative in facing the different challenges of business ownership.”

John Raftery - Patriot Contractors Inc.

“Integrity, discipline, management & leadership.”

Donald Carter - Secure Comm Technologies, Inc.

“Learned responsibility and chain of command.”

Clifton Coleman - Ugly Otter Trading Post